Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
For travellers of some nationalities who change flights in the UK without going through border control.
- Screening A few questions about your work, your family and your plans.
- Documents A checklist built around your route and who is coming with you.
- Expert review A qualified adviser reads every document before anything is filed.
- Application Every answer is checked against the published rules for your route.
- Submission Filed, with everything that went with it kept in one place.
- Arrival We stay with you through the crossing and the first steps after.
Application fee
£41.50
GOV.UK, Direct Airside Transit visa
Decision time
3 weeks
Usually, GOV.UK standard service
Where the traveller stays
Airside only
Never crosses UK border control
What is the UK Direct Airside Transit visa?
A Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) lets certain nationalities change flights at a UK airport without going through UK border control, remaining airside throughout. It's separate from the Visitor in Transit visa, which is for passengers who do clear UK border control on their way through.
Who needs one
Whether a Direct Airside Transit visa is needed depends on nationality, under the same visa national list that applies to other Visitor routes, and on any exemption that applies — for example holding a valid electronic travel authorisation, an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, a Home Office travel document, a Standard Visitor visa or a Marriage Visitor visa. A different visitor visa applies to a traveller going to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Requirements
- Changing flights airsideThe traveller is changing flights at a UK airport and will not go through UK border control.
- Nationality-based needWhether a Direct Airside Transit visa is needed depends on nationality, under the same visa national list that applies to other Visitor routes, and on any exemption that applies.
- ExemptionsNo Direct Airside Transit visa is needed if the traveller already holds a valid electronic travel authorisation, an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, a Home Office travel document, a Standard Visitor visa or a Marriage Visitor visa.
- Not travelling via Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of ManA different visitor visa applies to a traveller going to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
- Evidence of onward travelThe traveller must show a current passport or travel document and evidence of the connecting journey, and evidence of their right to enter the destination country if they are not a national of it.
Documents typically needed
- Current passport or other valid travel documentMust be valid for the trip.
- Evidence of the right to enter the destination countryFor example a residence permit, green card or valid visa, if not a national of that country.
- Evidence of the onward journeyFor example a flight booking email, a ticket or boarding pass, or confirmation from a travel agent.
How to apply
Check if a visa is needed
Check the nationality-based requirement and any exemption before booking travel, and confirm this is a Direct Airside Transit visa rather than a Visitor in Transit visa.
Apply online
Apply online before travelling to the UK.
Gather evidence and attend an appointment
Provide the passport and evidence of the connecting flight, and attend a visa application centre appointment to give fingerprints and a photo.
Wait for a decision
The passport is returned on the same day as the appointment, and a decision usually follows within the published timescale.
Fees & costs
- Direct Airside Transit visa
- £41.50
Fee may vary slightly by country and is set by the Home Office; it can change. Source: GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/direct-airside-transit-visa
Processing times
- Apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa
- Usually within 3 weeks
Standard service time published by the Home Office once the application is submitted with identity proof and supporting documents.
What you can and can't do
Permitted
- Change flights at a UK airport within the airside transit area
- Wait for the connecting flight without going through UK border control
Not permitted
- Go through UK border control or enter the UK
- Use this visa when travelling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. A different visitor visa applies
If the application is refused
An application is granted if the decision maker is satisfied that the suitability and eligibility requirements for the route are met, and refused if they are not. The refusal notice explains the reasons and any next steps that apply.
Common questions
What is a Direct Airside Transit visa for?
Who needs a Direct Airside Transit visa?
What's the difference between a Direct Airside Transit visa and a Visitor in Transit visa?
How much does a Direct Airside Transit visa cost?
How long does a decision take?
Do I need a Direct Airside Transit visa if I'm travelling via Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man?
Talk it through with one of our solicitors.
Book a consultation and one of our immigration solicitors will go through your situation, the documents involved, and what happens next.
Visitor in Transit Visa
The visa for passing through UK border control on your way to another country, for a stay of up to 48 hours. You cannot work or study.
Read the guide →Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Digital permission to visit the UK for up to 6 months. Most travellers from Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia need one, not a visa.
Read the guide →